The Anderson intelligencer. (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, February 26, 1880, Image 3
m?mtmimt?^??Wm^i mir i im "II ira in li
THE INTELLIGENCER,
MATTERS?
BRIEF MKNTION.
The fertilizer business is b ?ming.
Our townspeople have gone to gardening
in earnest, j.
The Court of Bessie.:s adjourned late
Saturday evening.
Lecture next Tuesday night in Temper
ance Hall by Rev. J. E. Carlisle.
Saturday is the last day for the payment
of town taxes without the penalty.
The colored people have commenced the
much-needed repairs on the Greeley Insti
tute building.
! The Council are having shade b ees plant
ed out on tho street leading frort McDuflle
street to the Baptist Church, ' \y.,
One cf car merchants who was over is
Greenville last weak represents business as
being particularly dull in that city.
Mr. John E. Peoples is agent for the
Merryman and Navassa fertilizers, and is
selling them on very reasonable terms.
Our merchants will lay in an.unusually
large stock cf goods this spring. Their Ab
beville an? Georgia trade' is getting to be a
big thing.
Capt. John McGrath has been confined
to his residence for tho past week or ten
days from the effects of a wound received
in the war.
We are again placed under obligations to
H. G. Scudday, Esq., for reporting the
testimony in tho Williamston barning case
tried last week.
Tito Sunday School Union of the 2d Dis
trict of the Saluda Association will hob* its
regular meeting at Neal's Creek Church on
next Sunday.
Married, in Trinity Church, Atlanta, Ga.,
February 18th, 1880, by Rev. H. Bascom
Browne, Dr. Walker G. Browne and Miss
Amelia C. Owings.
Messrs. Pant & Bro. will receive in a few
days another hundred bosci oi t<ib?icco,
which they proposo selling cheap for cash,
either by retail or wholesale.
Mr. J. S. Murray, Jr., principal of the
West Springs High School, in Union Coun
ty, made his parents at this place 0 flying
visit on Saturday and Sunday.
Mr. A. J. Watt and G. T. Barditt, from
near Lowndesvillo, will commence a gener
al merchandize business in Hartwell, Ga.,
about tho finit of noxt month.
. / . ?
Dr. Lander, of Williamston, spent Satur
day and Sunday in Anderson. His school
is fuller at present than ever before in its
history at this season of tho year.
Married, on Thursday, 19th February,
at- the residence of tho bride's grandfather,
by Rev. Robert Nail, Mr. James Fi? Bay,
of Greenville, and Miss Bettie Griffin, of
Pickens.
Mr. A. Lesser, the enterprising proprietor
of tho Paris Store, hos gone Nortti to par
chace his spring and Bummer goods. He is
going to buy a large stock, and sell at low
prices.
Tho revenue official havo captured the
bar room that bas been plying up and down
tho Savannah for the past few months dool
ing out moonshine whiskey to the thirsty
on both sides of the river.
W. C. Benet, Esq., of Abbeville, paid us
a visit on Thursday morning last. He was
here in attendance on Court and the annu
al meeting of tho Greenville Convocation
of the Episcopal Church.
We surrender a large amount of space
tlds week to the proceedings'in the trial of
tho parties charged with burning Maj. An
derson's store at Williamston. Our read
ers will find the report interesting.
The let Quarterly Conference of the An
derson Methodist Episcopal Church will be
held in tho Church to-morrow night, 27th
instant, at 74 o'clock. It will bo a business
meeting, and all tho officials of tho Church
are expected to attend.
The concert given by Mrs. Pinkind on
last Friday evening was very slimly attend
ed, although it was one of tho most chaste,
and refined entertainments it has ever been
our privilege to attend. The programme
consisted of vocal and instrnmnntal music,
and the pieces were well selected and most
admirably performed.
We baye received another card from
Capt. Sullivan in relation to tho controver
sy with our Honoa Path correspondent, but
as thc matter has become entirely personal
we must decline tb publish anything more
about it, except as paid advertisements. It
is not a matter of any further interest to tho
public.'
Tho annual meeting of tho Greenville
Convocation of. tho Episcopal Church was
held with Grace ChurcU last week, embrac
ing Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
The mcclthg was a pleasant and harmoni
ous one throughout, and was attended by
representatives from tho Churches at Abbe?
ville, Spartanburg and Pendleton.
"Wo bad a pleasant visit last week from
Mr. C C. Langston, a compositor in the
office of tho Anderson IHTEMJOSKCKTI, Ho
boarded the train at this placo for Atlanta,
where he will bo treated for an affection of
tho eyes..- He is in lull keeping with every
thing in that office, which is to say a great
deal, for the DtTEti>ioKXcra is the best South
Carolina we know of."-Hartwell Sun.
Tho Grand Division, Sons of Temperance,
of this State wiU hold its regular quarterly
meeting with Broadaway Division, in this
County, on Wednesday, 17th of March.
It will be the first meeting of tho Grand
Division ever held with a country Division,
bu? we know of no community in tsoutn
Carolina better able to entertain tho del-,
gates twa handsome manner than the ono
about Broadaway.
Now is the time to* set out shade trees,
and on many of our streets they ore very
much needed. If persons wishing to orna
ment the streets in tho front of theh* rest
' dence* will furnish the tree*- ??a Ooundl
will hare then set out and see that they re
ceive proper attention afterwards. Noth
ing adds moro to tho beauty and attractive
ness of a town than pretty shade trees, abd
we hope those bf our citizens who have
not already donoso will at once avail them
rel o i of the liberal offer of thc town au
thorities.
On and after February tho 20th, tho fol
lowing ticket? will bo placed on sale at all
ticket offices on the lino of the Greenville
and Columbia Railroad : Round trip tick
ets from any station to any station at the
rate of four cent* per mlle, counting dis
tance both ways. Good for ten days, In
cluding day of sale Tho round trip tickets
good for three day* at three cents per mile
will bo kepi on sale aa heretofore. The rate
for children between the ages of six and
twelve yean will be hrdrof the shove
Tho ?flit o? Mr. il O. Busby agalmt ihe
Town Connell for $200 for damages h?
clatms to have sustained In tho drowning o
two mutee at the Free Ferry on the Sevan'
uah River, ?nd which was tried on Toes
day,, was derided ?dreraely to the plaintiff
The defendants el M med that inasmuch a
the Ferry was under control of tho Andor
eon Board o f Trade and not the Town
Council, they could not be hold responsible
for tho loss, and lt seems that it was op?n
thia ground tuai tho jory based their ver
diet.
The Uno merchant mill and cotton gin of
Mr. E. G. Wioginlon, situated in Brushy
Creek township in this county, was entire
ly consumed by fire on Friday night of last
week. Tho burning was evidently the work
of and incendiary, os it occurred at one
o'clock in tho night, and tho fire burned
from two portions of tho building, lt is
entirely unaccountable, as Hr. Wiginton ls
a most excellent gentleman, and was not
known to have an enemy in the world.
His loss is a heavy one, reaching three or
four thousand dollars, which waa uninsur
ed. We hope the perpetrator of the crime
will be ferrottcd out and punished with the
uttermost severity of the law. Incendiary
tires are becoming entirely too frequent in
this State.
We are pained to record tho death of Mrs.
Francis anderson, wife of Mr.' R. Q- An
derson, ot Broadaway township, which sad
event occurred on Monday last, in the 43d
year of her age, after an illness of a week or
ten days. Up to Sa tur lay, 14th Instant,
Mrs. Anderson bad enjoyed her usual
health, when sba receive . a alight atroko of
paralysis, which was followed on Friday
lost by another stroke much severer than
tho first, and which resulted in her death
on Monday. She was a daughter of tho
late Robert Smith, who was well known to
our older citizens as one o? the best and
foremost citizens of Anderson County dur
ing his life. Rho was a lady of refinement
and culture, eminently pious, a consistent
and devout member of tho Presbyterian
Church, and was highly respected and
greatly beloved hy all who knew her. Her
remains were interred in the Presbyterian
graveyard at this place on Tuesday after
noon after impressive funeral services con
ducted by Dr. Frierson. Her husband and
eleven children, together with her mother
and several sisters and brothers, and many
other relatives mourn her death.
What Oar Delegation Accomplished.
During the recent session of tho Legisla
ture tho following bills were introduced by
the Anderson delegation, end have bc-cutno
laws :
By Col. Mat tison-An Act to further pro
vide for draiuago in Anderson end other
counties, which requires the County Com
missioners to see that tho law requiring
crocks and rivers to bo cleaned out twice a
year ia complied with..
By Mr. Murray-An Act to facilitate tho
completion of tho Blue Hidgo Railroad, of
which a synopsis ia published on another
page.
An Act to amend tho Act providing fo:
the construction of a Canal in tho city ol
Charleston, Intended to cnablo tho State
authorities to contract for furnishing stone
to parties in Charleston.
An Act to charier the Anderson and
Easley Railroad Company, intended tc
connect with, and form a part of, tho At
lantic and French Broad Valley Railroad
An Act to require Circuit Solicitors to at
tend tho sessions of the General Assembly
and assist iu drawing Bills, engrossing one
enrolling Acts, and requiring them to cer
tify to tho correctness of the work, tho ob
ject of which is to prever.t tho recurrence o:
the mistake which occurred in the Suppl j
Bill and required thc late extra session.
In addition to this Mr. Murray and Mr
Richardson, of Korry, had a special drain
age Act passed for Anderson and Horn
Counties providing for the ditching of bot
tom land, which will be published for tu
benefit of our readers soon.
Col. Crayton, in the Senate, had a r?solu
tlon passed authorizing the Di ree toi J of th
Savannah Valley Railroad to postpone th
collection of tho taxes voted, if they sc
proper to do so.
In addition to this tho Anderson delega
tiou effected a number of important amend
ments to several measures which becam
law. - _
THE BIG ARSON CASE.
It Consumes Four Dar* of Court and B?
ault? In a Verdict ot Not tfulUy for all ti
Parties Accused.
.Tho trial of Lewis Ellison, J. M. Gan
broil, A. W. Poo re, Wm. M. Rags dal
H. H. Hancock, and d'. Francis Ragsdal
charged with burning the store of Ma
George W. Anti orson, at Willlamstoi
last November, commenced on Wodnc:
day morning of last week, and continue
through tho romaindor of the week. Tl
prisoner? wero represented by Mesar
John E. Brcazcalo, J. S. Murray, J. J
Alien and John B. Mooro, and tho Sta
vy Solicitor Cothran and J. L. Orr, Es
The jory was om pan ucl ed and the ox nu
lnatton of witnesses commenced abo
ll o'clock, and continued until about
a. m. on Friday. The following is tl
testimony os given on the stand :
G. W. Anderson, sworn, Hays : Liv
at Williamston ; been living ibero sin
1868: am a merchant; my store hon
was burned up on the 12th of Novembe
1879: entirely destroyed ; my nopho"
W. P. Anderson, Blept in there, with
view to its protection; bo was In t
house on tho night of tho fire ; it occurr
about two o'clock; my first impress!?
. was that it was accidental, but from w?i
waa told me, I changed this opinion ; ll
Gumbrell and Mr. Stono carno to n
ccoro on tho evening before the fire ; ll
. a a mb roll appeared to be very mad ;
owed me ; he tnedo a proposition abo
- ?"ia debt which I refused ; bo offered i
f?rt.80 on a $00 debt, which ho said I cou
take or let it alone; the dob*, had be
standing nearly Ovo years ; I said nothl
unkind ; he lett very much ox cited ; af
he loft ho returned after a while, and w
In tho piazza: bo told me with an OJ
to writoout a receipt; I did so-for $4
I told him I had no hard feelings town
him ; ho said I had not. been Uko ai
body else, nor would not bo ; he abm
mo very much and said. I had oppress
tho poor peoplo; I then vent homo
Sued J, F. Ragsdale'e father, and be cai
to roe with an affidavit claiming i
rtt^r.*^-?-' ln..<-J MM - T 1--J Uj~
8ottTolt*; ?Totia?dlf ho co'uTcf'not got \
levy released one way off his cotton
would in another ; Mr. Ellison had b<
sued ; bis wife made on affidavit thai
the property belonged to her ; I employ
a detective to work np. the caso ; th
rv ri r M na MM lrtdaHt?<1 *A ??.??? T J;^? ?j
ail except Mr. Hancock ; Sued him s
o? al years ago ; we arrested Mr. Ellii
about a week- or ten -lays after the fi
he was arrested and brought to my ho
about 8 o'clock thai night; I asked
an interview with Ellison, and ?aw I
next morning after breakfast, and bk.
talk with him ; I wes informed that E
eon wanted to seo me ; we went into'
yard about ten stope from the house ;
sat down and I asked him if ho wan
to toll me anything shout the Aro, tell
him if ho did to do so; ho said be kt
nothing; I asked him for a list of
party ; in tho confessions Ellison m
to me Insed no threat nor hope of
ward nor Inducement of any kind ;
made no confession ai that timo; bo ?
i he alluded to a Radical company of fe
. men, who bumed Beaver Dam Cr
Churoh tho night before mystoro
1 bumed, when he spoke of forty mor
' had gone to him at his own requos
? returned lo my house.
. Cross-oxuinfood by the State:
started over to town. I got another r
?. sage from Ellison that no wanted to
i mo, andi wont and found him; uo
I was with him, bot Capt. Alloy wi
littlo way off; had a talk with him th
no inducements of any kind were otr
; io him; no threats wero made; C
1 Alloy ?urti tho message; ho waa ui
1 arrest then, with handcuffs on : fiv
F ?Ix parties brought him tboro the ri
" before ; thor o waa no ono there whee
confession was rriado.
CrOsB-examiuod by tho defense:
'.? confessed ?gain in Uro presencoof
i self. Mr. Blaydon and Mr. Ackor, in
. I spring tot ; no inducements of any I
were held out t this was the Kamo day, a
hw minutes after tho Other cort renata n ;
he said to me that he came, with other
parties, on the morning of the llthj Ulai
the other part?as went w my Store house
and ho stayed at tho railroad otttl they
went on to tho store house for tho pur*
nose or haming lt I ii* said hoflfcaw/tfci
flames directly eJterWaitW ft lattas '"Bp
formed again first Mr, Ellison wanted to
soe me s Z sterWd oat and saw Mr. Elli
son's son, in thc prescneo of his father 11
heard hts son saying, " Don't ad tn li a
thing-let them provo lt bu you i" Mr,
Ellison then said that ho was excited al
the spring, sud that he did not know
anything about it ; they thon carried him
to tho Trial Justice's office for trial j th?
Trial Justice warned him, saying that ht
was not bound to moko any oonfbsslon,
and that If ho did he would not get any
thing fur lt{ ho then said he was nol
guilty, and then admitted that what 1?
sold to me lu tho spring lot was so t Elli
son was then sent to jell ; tho other sr
rests were mode about a woek siter i J
bad an interview with Mr. Poora tin
morning of bis arrest i I did not see ouj
or these partie* ofter the fir? till thej
came in after arrest i they carno verj
often to town generally j Poora carno t<
my Htoro and wc talked ; ho sold bo wa
troubled about Ellison's confession, nr.<
wanted the ease to come ofti I ogreoi
with him t wo wont back into tho store
I told him I thought he was a friend o
mino, and asked bim about the prayer h
mode on tho night of the ura t.be ?cnlci
ft and ssld he did pray that thu Lor
would open his eyes to soe him an hones
iv un; Mr. Ellison Was brought (I sup
poso) to my house in elmina on tho nigh
cf bbl arrest i I don't khow Whether h
slept that night or not; Capt. Alley rc
fused to let me seo Ellison that night
Alley and Acker wera both there nos
morning ; I did not say to the partie
that night any thing about getting oonfot
slonn; Capt. Alloy, I supposed, oxpocto
Say for his services ; he was tho only one
o is a detective, from Sparlonburg:
asked Ellison what l>?< thought of Poora'
Erayer, and bo answered, "I seo yo
ave got that; " I Baw Ellison in prison
1 went thora to soe if be bad any conic:
?ion to mako, but don't recollect that
said I had been venting him to confet
nil tho timo, KO that lt would be light?
with him ; did not offer to tako him ot
on my bond nor that of any ono oise,
he would confess ; I don't recollect sa}
lng to Mr. Ford that I could get no coi
IV -ion from Ellison until I montiont
all tho parties to him ; don't recollect <
having a conversation with Alloy ai
Blodon to extort a confession out of Ell
son i I said to Mr. Ellison, " I undo
Btand that you have said that there was
woman who knew lt all, and lt would I
told by Saturday ; " did not make ar
confession at tho jail ; thora aro nt lea
nine hundred ona sixty dobts thal I d
nu', 8U0 ou ; there was no dre In tho cal
bouso that night, and they brought tl
prisoner to my house.
W. P. Anderson, sworn, soys : Ia
tho young man who was sloopuig in tl
store on tho night of the fire, and escapi
through a ji indow by means or a ladde
tho fire originated in tho grocery root
in which ther* no flrc-plaoo ; the "1
and main building wera two stories ; w
sleeping over the main part; am corta
tho uro originated in the grocery roar,
there was a cellar underneath that roor
the door to it wasgono ; lt was filled wi
empty barrels, etc, and connects wi
tho main building; was in the store t
ovenlng of tho sottlemont between li
Anderdon and Gambroll; Gambroli v,
very angry, and sold ho (Anderson) c
not treat him as others ; hod an inter vii
with J. F. Ragsdalo tho day after the fi
Ragsdalo pointed at the cellar whoro 1
"Li" joins tho malu building, and Ba
"Ii was set Aro right there, wasn't lt
I asked him to sigu a papor promising
give assistance in prosecuting; he sa
u You want to soo who will sign n
who won't to find out who burned it,
you?" heard Ellison make confessli
at tho preliminary trial ; didn't oomc
the jail with Ellison, but carno, with i
othor p.-lsouera; waa riding in a bug
with Poora; the others came iq a woj
which had tbreo Ecati; on tho first s
were Blodon and Gambrell, on tho sooc
were J. F. Ragsdalo and Hancock, c
on the third wore Acker and W. M. Ra
dale ; was with the party when Ellii
was arrested; ho was arrested.at
bou-i .> ; the party went and surrouni
Ellison's houBO, and Aekor knocked
the door, which some one opened, wi
Acker told bis business ; Ellison at ?
Baid be wouldn't go, but Acker calle?
Bladon, and they brought him out
think there were six in the party ; dh
hear any threats to take his life ; no
ducements were offered bim to mal
confession: nu reward was offered
stayod with the prisoner, Ellison, net
all night ; when we got to tho railroad
Constable said it was cold and some
Iwould have to set up ; Wm. Rags*
was at Ellison's whon Ellison was
rested ; J. F. Ragsdalo was at William:
when arrested; was at my unclo's ht
and Bald ho must go ; I went to tho j
and told him he would not go unies
was a better man than I am.
Cross-examined : Matches kept in
store ; not kopt In any safe,
Ctept. H. Alley, sworn, says : Live
Spart?nburg county ; was called upoi
Maj. Andersen to investigate tho mt
of the burning of lila storo : have bec
detectlvo elgnteon years ; I went to '
I Uamston and carried two men with
j I returned homo and thon went bael
Williamston to seo what had been di
I then f IvJsed Mr. Andorson to ho
warrant Issued for Ellison ; we .
fok Ellison and found him at he
Acker made tho airest; tho door
open, and I saw and heard every t
that was going on ; Ackor told bli
had a warrant for him ; bo said ho w
I not go ; be resisted ; tho old lady got
i of Mr. Acker ; got Ellison out ol
bouso, bnt . ho still resisted : wo
handcuffs on him; Ellison lives
miles from Williamston ; no int
m eu ts of aiiy kind were hold out to i
ho 'vunted to talk to me thet night,
said no, for him to do his talkie
Maj: Anderson ; the old man Ellisor
very cold ; I pulled off my ovorcoa
Eut it oh him; wo carried him ov
Inj. Anderson's Louse, whore then
a fire ; I slept In tho samo room wit
lison that night; ? did refuse to lei
Andorson talk with Mr. Ellison
night ; I wanted Ellison to bo cool ':
he was talked to ; I am no officer o'.
kind ; Ellison sold to Mr. Anderso
my presenco, that those mon wbo a
dieted were with him that night
thc houses was burned, ?ad said tho
thing at tho trial, with the addltioi
he carno through the woods and
i-ick through the woods; ho also
that it was very near day when I
homo ; at the trial Esquire Pinson ;
ed bim that he was not require?! to'
inate himself; Ellison sala be wan
toll iL and then rfetwutoil wlmt he s
tho spring yard.
Cross-examined: Tho reason t
did not lc t him confess to mo was
always make it a rule to do so;
not be a witness ina caso that I wc
if I can holp it ; I did not tell Mr.
son that ho would be killed ir ho di
confess; if I had it would havel
lie, for I wonld rot havo allowed 1
pay ">? u6v?O?i?{5 vt?v? u?t u?uotKJ
my success.
Dr. Eptlng, sworn, says: I 1
Williamston ; was at tho prelin
bearing of Ellison ; Mr. Pinson to!
be must not crim?nalo himself: 1
hs was notgulltjr ; Mr. Gray ask?
17 u? ulil nol veli r.iaj. Anderson, 1
and othor parties that cartein parti
done it ; he said, " Yee, but I oug
to have done so;", he said wn
firing was dons he was in the ri
eut, and that tho others went on a
tho fiting of the house ; the Esqu?
something about arresting tho
when I said that thora was note
ov'.donco ; Krqaire Pinson thou
" Ves, Ellison has madu r clean bi
it;" Isold to Elllaon that it wa
for o man to ooufess doing wrong
son then said ho returned by tho
yard.
John Bladon, sworn, says: 1
WUllamston ; mored thora from
flold county about seven years ag
elong ot the arrest of Ellison ; was
officer, but was asked to go atong
round to Ellison's back door, wk
sh?t ; then went round to tho fror
Ellison was refusing to go ; Acke
me to help him ; we got ?bout Aft
from tho house when he coat
pulling book ; we then put hunde
him ; wo were ail with him at ti
our return to Wllllarouton ; no
men ta to confeso to os or any <
were hold out to bim ; wo csaxrted
Maj. Anderson's house becauso il
cold and thora was a fire there;
homo that night ; ?HOW EU'ion nex
lng eating breakfast t beard conv
in spring lot between Ellison n
Andorson ; Ellison said that be J
others canto to set fire to tho hr
said h4 stayed st tho railroad cut,
othor fivo went and sot fire to tin
these words were not suggested
by Maj. Anderson or any ono
usotl them himself; saw bim og
?J
jdiy ; there was bot . fingi? act of vio
lence commuted ailor tb/vhandcuffa wera
nut on him, ii either ?ere thora any
threats ruade i waa lt? the Trial JusUcVV
office; Mr. I'lnttou told him ho need not
' iy he was ?utily unless ho was: ho Bald
wt tatt wa* not (full ty: I beard Ellison
say to Dr. Kiding that ii? wont through
lison to Jail i he toll mo ou tbVvny it
was not going to bo like ho had-told itt I
asked him if there were as many as ho had
saldt ho said, " Yes, just the samo, but
thore I? m negro woman who will toll all
about it |'2 I arrestt'.l Gambrell, Hancock
and Poor?; 1 went with Gambroll down
tc his father's after hu* coat; be said he
did not knov.* anything about it; ho said
bu did not see tho tiro ncr hear of it until
nose, morning, when he wont un to Sam
Moo.n'n i I took him on to WUUamston j
I brought him hero to Jail in a wagon
wim tin oo plan kn laid across for beat? r
I tnd Garubroll wore on th? first seat,
Hancock and J. V, Ragsdalo pp tho soc
pud, and Mr. Ackor and Dill Itagsdale
on tbs third; Acker'was on tho same
yldo with me, two seats behind t I talked
with Mr. Gambroll something about lt; I
said I hated to bring him ; ho sold, "Aa
for my part, I aro sorry I over went Into
it;" ho said thia on the other eldo pf
Rocky Creek, coming down hill j I heard
Poora, when ho was arrested, say that ho
wished ho had died during the war ; we
wera talking about the fire; Gsmbrell
said ho didn't care; Mr. Poora asid, "I
wouldn't, but for my conscience ;" we
wore talking about tho arrest ?nd the
burning at tue time i thia was about one
and a half miles, going to Willlametou.
lt. V.' Acker, aworih says t I live in
Willlamston t the evening borora the fire
saw Gambroll in town ; am Constable for
Mr. Pinson; mado ail tho arrests; wo
wont to arrest Ellison ; went in and told
him ho was my prlsonor; two or th reo ol'
the women took hold of rr??? ; he said ho
was hot going; I called Bhutan to assist
ino ;. tho women gat bored us on tho out
sido of tho house; ho had been resisting
a little bulol o Capt. Alley handcuffed him;
dureront ones were with him on tho way
to WUllamston : no inducements or
threats woro made by mo or beard mado
thon nor afterwards ; wo got to William
?ton and thought of putting him in the
calabooso. but had board of threats made
against tho calabooso ; como ono eug
gosted that wo put him in the ticket
office; it was cold, and wo concluded to
lako bim over to Maj. Anderson's houso,
whoro there was fire and whero thora
wera pooplo on guard ; in ti.?? spring lot
next morning some orr? called mo up to
hear what Ellison had to say ; Maj. An
derson said to him, " Tefl theso men
wbat you told me ; " Ellison thon ?aid
ho stopped at the cut on tho railroad, and
?vo others went and burned tho houso ;
boforo Esquire Pinson, whether ho was
guilty or not guilty, bo said not guilty,
but re affirmed all that ho had sala in tho
oprlngyard; I was present when Gam
broll was arrested ; I arree tod Poora tho
same day ; Gambrall wanted his over
coat; I Bont Gumbrell and Bludon on
after tho coat at Gainbrcll's father's
houso : Pooro inado tho remark that bo
wished ho had dlod during tho war ;
Gambroll said, " I don't caro a blt for
lt;" Poora said, "I wouldn't, but for
my conscience ; " I carno over to Ander
son in a wagon; rodo on tho backseat;
Mr. Bludon and Gumbrell wera on the
front Boat; Blodon was driving ; ourcon
versation generally was among each oth
er; my con vocation most of tho timo
was with thu two Rogsdulbs ; I don't ro
momber anything that pass od between
thoso in front, only when thoy spoke di
rectly to me ; I did not hear tho conver
sation bet?veen Bladon and Gambroll;
1 saw Frank Itagsdale in town? one day
aftor tho fire, and before tho arrest of
Ellison ; ho is tho only ono I r?membar
to havo seen.
N. R. Wilson, sworn, says ; Was along
when Ellison was arrested; Mr. Ackor
asked mo to go ; I did not, neither did I
boar any one in my presence, oller Mr.
Ellison any roward, induce mont or threat
at that timo, nor since, to confess; Mr.
Ellison complained of hoing cold, wbon
Capt. Alley pulled off his coat and put it
on bim.
J. J. Cooley, sworn, says : Wes along
tho night of Ellison's arrest, at tho re
quest of Ackor : I did not, neither did I
bear mado any threat, inducement or re- '
ward offered to Ellison to confess: Inov
er heard any agreement mado by tho
parties on tho way to obtain a confession
from Ellison.
Elvin J. Pinson, sworn, Bays : I am a
Trial Justice at Willlamstou ; bold in
vestigation, of caso agcint Ellison. At
tho preliminary trial, I charged tho
prisoner that ho must not criminate him
self, nor was he expected ; I asked bim
if be was guilty, and he said no ; I asked
him if he knew any ono who was, and he
said no ; I asked him if he did not say BO
in tb o ?pri ng lot ; he said y e>s but that he
ought not to have raid so. Al'cr bis tes
timony was .taken down it .was read to
bim. and he said it was all correct; I told
Epting tbat Ellison had mado a clean
breast of it, and Epting commended him
for doing BO ; Ellison thon' said bo went
out through the woods by the graveyard
homo.
A.II. Ford, sworn, says: Testimony
taken before Esquire Pinson on the pre
liminary trial of Ellison is in my hand
writing; tho Trial Justice asked tho
questions, and so did Mr. Grav ; I tried
to take the words down in his own lan
languago: Ellison said he confessed Va
Maj. Andorson lu the spring yard, but
that ho ought not to have douo so : Mr.
Ellison waa not excited ../hon bo signed
tho paper.
David Cooley, sworn, says : Lives at
WilliamBton, and knows John M. Gsm
brell; was at Anderson's storo evening
i before fire ; heard Gambrall say to Maj.
: Anderson that he had been Buelng and
' oppressing tho poor people a long time,
and that tho money hs had paid him
shouldn't do bim any good ; this occurred
just after Maj. Anderson bad given him
a receipt.
W. Thornton, sworn, says: Was at
. MPJ. Anderson's storo evening before
ino ; saw Gumbrell there ;' I was out at
? door; heard some loud talking Inside;
Mr. Gumbrell and Stonor->me out; Gam
broll appeared enraged ; they wont up
i Street, and then came back; Gambrall
told mo if J. lived on Anderson's land Pd
bettor got away-ho would break me up ;
, that he was try ina to "break him up :
Gumbrell said that tho monoy ha would
i nay him shouldn't do him any good j
> Maj. Andorson told Gumbrell ho wouiu
? toko $47 for. tho account ; Gambroll paid
: him; Maj. Anderson gave him a receipt.
I and said now thcro is no uno of any hard
I feelings between us; Mr. Gambroll told
. Maj. Anderson that he was notan honest
man, nor had he mado Ma money bon
I catly ; Gambroll and Sto.m woro gono up
i- a. .I.A^I i Vic ut ii flee" minutes before
'.boy returned.
W. F. Boatnor, sworn, says: Lives nt
'. Willlamston ; was tha?e at fire ; I prom
L tsod to do all I could to holp Maj, Ar-.der
i son find out who did tho burning; I
? went into tho country to seo Bomo pai tics
t on business ; I mei ??r. Frank Barnsdale
i on the road ; We talks', about the burnt
' atora; ho said tb-^i ic was a groat pity
i thai ibo store was burnt; A sola lt did
not matter, ns bo bad boen suclng every
t body ; ho said yes, all of tho people down
' our way are glad, and ho was, too; he
i said if U had been his mill he would not
I have been surprised ; he said thai bis
l unnlA. .Hm fj?iril>reli? WS5 lip With tho
i { children and saw tho firo ; Mr. Gambroll
L said ho waa damned glad of it ; he only
t wished tho old Major bad been in tho
? atora and g * scorched a little; Frank
I Ragsdalo said h? supposed (somebody
I who bad been aued had done it, but tba'
I he was at his own homo asleep.
, Manning Mahaflby. swormjsays : Hive
i near Willlamston ; hoard "Frank Ragfe
, dale ?ay that Ma!. Andersen had a levy
f on bis crop, anti if he didn't remove it
? be would be sorry for ii ; it was said in
- WUllamston boforo the burning.
TBBTIKOMV FOB DBFSWOB.
t Before introducing testimony, Major
* Moore for d?fonce?, gave an outllno of bli
i ?fenco to tho Court and jiiry.
i ' Lewis Ellison, sworn, says: Waa boro
s in two miles of whero I liv o ; 44 years ol
: age; have never boon boforo Indicted in
i the Sessions Twas at home picking cotton
a on evening boforo atora w*s burned ; my
1 wife andTwent to V/iUlamaton morning
i before; was no wbero else that day; 1
i went for tb? Doctor ovoniug before bnrn
- lng; ii was Dr. .Wilson; on night ol
s burning was ai homo : no one at home
? that night but ny family; I havo sovon
t> in family; alt at homo but One son; m>
t wiro was sick on night of burning; thc
- doctors culled it tho chango of lifo ; sh?
a had .to keep her bed all the ilma ; th<
|. Doctor told me to give her medicino ovo
o ry ihn? hours ; when I returned hom<
o from tho doctor's I found my alx year ok
o son pick ; my wife became frightened
; my son bad to bo hold in tho boil ; X did
n hot undress that night and go to bcd
o my oldest daughter stayed and helped m<
ii administer medicine; titree of my cbil
<lron sltly ?d' (ipi .w's Ifni-ti but ?jtlc-' sfcdjh
lng apatmeut,iti whl?M all, tito fitol!/.
slept ; 11? board of burning on Wed-t
day attars ?tl? ; Win. Kagsdwo was tho
flrslto- tt.l too abobtlt; I board oHl
again on Th?rpdsr \ my son told mo ; j
did not go td WltnfttHnoti tot a we*k aft
tor; trent otlco before my afreet j X\ W*?
attested on th? ntght of die 85Ui Novem
ber; ?Ir men carne between 9 and 10
o'clock at night j Mr. A ck ?rr cams In, and
said he had a .warrant ; I asked what for ;
ho said for burning Maj, Anderson's
storehouse; wy family beoamo excited ;
my wife and children followed out in tho
yard? and my wlfo fainted in yard j thoy
huudcuffed me about half nillo from ray
bouso; Mr. Aokcr and Hindou had mo
till handcuffed i Mr. Alley thoo carried
me on to tho creek t the balance were
about40yards behind; from there ?bi
don took mo a little piece, then Aliov car
ried mo to Maj. Ancfirscn's house r I did
not offer to confess JO Alley 1 bo did not
tell mo to confess to Maj. Anderson ; they
put mo In a room ; set down in chair by
Ure, with shackles on( and a guard around
ra?; did not sleep buy that night; did
lint soe Maj. Andorson that night; had a
talk next morning with Maj. Anderson
id his yard ; Maj.' Anderson ca'Jed me
out there; by ourselves; no one present;
be asked If i knew who did lt; I told
him no; ut? caliea pvor toe names of those
parties: I told him n?" t know nothing
about lt ; ho said ir I would confess he
would turd mo loose ; I did not confess
fieri; I had next talk with Alley: Capt.
.'..Hey made threats that night-said if I
did not conreas he would baVo me klllod ;
I was alarmed for my safety. ; I saw pis?
tola and guns exhibited \ I Was afraid,
and felt lu great danger: X had a talk
With Alloy by Anderson's gate; Alloy
wanted mo to confess, and sa<d if I did
not I ought to bo put to dcMh, and if I
did ho would httvo me released ;' nothing
else said ; I did not confess ; I proclaltnod
ray tnnpeouce; had another talk with
Mai. Anderson, still in irons ; ho and I
walking along path from his house; Maj.
Anderson said you know these parties,
calling their names ; you know they nro
tho ones who did it ; I said I knew noth
ing about lt ; I did not confess ; I had no
talk in the spring lot ; Mal. Anderson at
tacked me again in spring lot: I don't re
member what ho said : ho caned over tho
samo names ; h? sold if I would confess
bo would have mo turned loose; I told
bim I 'did not know anything to confess;
ha took rae to Mr. Plnson's office, and
carrlod me up stains end put roo in room
by myself; I stayed there half hour; thoy
carried mo bock down to tho of?co; Mr.
Pinson asked mo lr I was, or knew or
any ono guilty j I'said I did not'; I don't
remember what Occurred ; Maj. Anderson
call od over all the names he had called
over before : I did not assent; after trial
they brought mo hore to prison ; Mr.
Acker and ?laden brought me ; I next
Baw Maj.. Anderson on Wednesday after
wards In jail; Mal. Andorson wanted mo
to turn State's evidence against tho oth
ers: said if I did ho would turn rae loose
on pond: sahl if I did not ho could soi
sot proof enough against the othor boys ;
Mr. Pooro and mvBOlf aro on bad terms,
also with Hancock-havo beon for soverai
i years,
. Cross-examined : My wlfo was taken
'?? sick that day boforo Imming: sho was
! complaining before I went; 1 was not
frightened by thom, bad enough to con
fess anything; I did pot say anything to
Maj. Anderson when bo repeated Pooro's
prayer; bo ropestld it.to mo: I deny
makiug any t?aietiient boforo Pinson, ex
cept saying that I was not guilty ; I did
not seo flumes at all ; I did not say to Dr,
Eptlng that after tho fire I went home
through tho woods by tho graveyard ; I
novor did moko any confession of this
mailor to any one ; I dony making thom:
the nearest way homo from the railroad
out near Wlllfamston would havo been
by tho graveyard.
' Sallie Ellison, sworn, says: Lorrin E.
Is ray father ; was at homo on night of
firo ; my father went to Willlamston on
morniug before fire ; returned aboutdln
ner timo ; whllo ho was gone little boy
tock Bick: ho had something like tho
cramp collo or worms, and was very sick;
my father, when he got homo, went for
doctor; he did not como; ho carno that
evening : ray mother took sick about sun
down; she wea very sick ; wo gave her
medicine every three hours ; my luther
was at borne that night ; tho medicino was
administered that night every three hours:
I sat up all that night, with my fathor ana
sister ; wo all stayod lu tho same room ;
my father was there all night, and could
not have loft that night without my
know, edge for one hour ; I wns at home
whou my father wo3 urvested, and ll
alarmed um vary much ; we followed bin
out into tho yard; my mother Mutee
and fell in the yard; my father was thor
carrlod off; wm.. Ragsdale was at oui
house when tho arrest was made, bul
J ames G am broil was. not there.
Janio Ellison, sworn, says: Lewis El
?son is my father; was at home on nigh
Of barning: all the family wera at home
that night oxcent my oldest biother ; my
Uttlo brother was slok In tho evening be
fore the fire; ray mother took sick about
sandown, and was very sick ; my fatboi
and Solllo attended to mother ; waa in thc
roora whore thoy wera that night; then
was medicino on band to give mothei
whou sho had spells ; the mediciuo wai
to be given every three hours ; my fattie
and Sallie administered lt; my father die
not leave tho bouso that night, but wai
there all night, and could not havo lei'
without mo knowing it ; was at hom?
when ray fathor was arrested ; they ar
rested and carrlod him off ; tho manchu
was given mother every throe hours; '.
know it for I saw it ; I was lying down
bnt did not sleep ; they ta!' : S ?Ike os i
they wore going to treat my fathor badi;
when thoy arrested him ; I did not sit up
but laid down cross tho bed ; I did no
cover up ; lt was cold ; Mr. Gumbrell wa
not at our houso on ntght of arrest ; Mi
ltagsdalo was there ; I did not lay on bo
but a llttlo whllo; Mr. Ragsdalo wa
there picking coi ton % he never came t-her
boforo to pick cotton ; ho came a bou
dusk ; ho broughthls liitlo daughter wit!
him.
Mary E. Stone, sworn, says : She wa
at James Gumbrell'? '.ho night of the fire
retired about U O'clock ; saw the fire thc
night ; brother Jim was helping .walt c
children; I called him to get water fo
oho of tho chi ld ron ; when ho went to th
door next to Williamston| he called an
said como sud 'Bee what a firo; he wi
asleep, and I woko bim up ; ho did nc
leave tho house that night ; wore oil In il
same room ; fire was In direction of WI
liamston.
IJames Ellison, sworn, says: Lewis E
?son ls my rather ; was at home on nlgl
of fire; my fathor went to Willinmsto
that morning with ray mother ; roturno
; about dlnnor timo ; my brother was slok
I luther weut after doctor ; my motlier too
I charge of tho child ; my mother took sic
I that evening, and was bad off; my Cathe
I Ajk 1..... ... . ....... t r. t . ? . . ?MI*K ?I..
night; my father and sister gavo mod
cine to her every three boura; I sat u
that night; l and my twoaistors; I sate
and kept tho firo mado up ; my fathor wi
at homo all that night; ooma not hat
left withoutme knowing It; tho night <
tho arrest I was not at homo ; I was ?
Mr. Lenard? ; I was at homo tho night 1
burning; we sent for Dr. Wilson; tl
medicine was tor inonu to boy ; tnorowi
medicino thora for my mother, left t
Dr. Wilson ; I sat up a? night kcopir
Up the firo; I couldn't sleep while m
mother was'Bl?k ; a? I did was to nunc
up tho firs ; sat up in chair all night.
. ir-j-jjjj. .j-.--y.-~ii - ]j
known Lewis Ellison from a child ; bo
a man of weak mind, easily frlghtene
i and when In that state, .?ios not control
bis mind.
J. R. Wilson, sworn, soys : Knoi
.Lewis Ellison; I regard bira ? wea
minded man ; nndor excitement wOu
i considi him unreliable-coally imposi
? upon; have never Imposed on him m
soir, nor seen others do so.
James I<olUs, sworn, says : KDO
1 Lewis EUlson .?bice bis childhood ; waa
minded mon ; consider bim coally iuip
Bcd upon ; am related to Handoock-n
step-son : I nover Imposed oh Ellison j
had a talk with Maj. Andorson ; I was
. Willlamston evening when tho parti
were brought to Anderson ; I ato dion
with Maj. A. : wo mentioned the btu
, lng : ho asked me ir I did not think tl
f suelng people had caused his store to
? burnt; I sold yes t I expected to hear
i bia mill-bouse boina burnt ; that the m
who would bum bis store-bouse wot
; burn his mill.
John W. Poor, sworn, soys: Koo
? . Lewis EUison, be isa wook-miudod nat
F-, under excitement I think bo would
\ 1 moro easily impor.? On than a siro
; ; man.
ft. G. Steno, sworn, says : Known Lo
i ls Ellison ; 1 always took him to bc
? Weak-minded man ; consider him eas
> imposed noon; I was nt Williams!
evening prior to buming ; mot Gambrc
i X carno back to Willlamston morning
I ter; talked With Maj. Andeison : hs m
: ed mo what the opinion or tho people \
I about bis store; I told bim tho gone
; opinion was for suelng and breaking
3 pooplo j I tn 1 a brother-in-law or Ga
. brou ; was with bim when the ?cttlomi
with i?ai, Ahdtr?-sotif wa*, rna?e ; ire was
maWith U&Mfat*>tt | i Warfst <W.
7 o'clock qcytt'mofliie^< 1 ft?tt?iliy*f??
thcro and and I ?pont elid mguti" wcVaJl
lay down ; I TV?B e Uttlo ?lek a?d ai?wl
sleep we?? : remember ?earing Gumbrell
talking to hie? ?h lld rea through tho night,
HudaV/itSo'clocuf HOttiotrne told ?eon-,
bieil L<a child wanted water; Gumbrell
?ot up ono! went out to got lt, whon ho ?AW
flanl?*, >Ve thought it was Anderson'?
mill. ' -<*??
Cross esxrtmhiodl Gambrell irtayed at
homo all night; Gani broil noror said the
nionojr would never do Ma}. Anderson
any good j if be bad said #c I would have
hear? lt; ,1 hud no cou vet sailor} with
Hancock on tho morning ^fier the fire ;
net until after thc arrest.
B. Xi. Johnson sworn, says; Knows
Lowls Ellison ; hots a Man under ord l
nary mind ; can't say that bo would bo
easily imposed on ; soon after tho. arrest
ol the parties Maj. Andersbu said to mo
to see Mrs. Millson sud if she knew any
thing that would be against those boys to
lot him know and ho would bo lighter on
him ; Ellison is my brother-in-law,- 1
JJ. H. Marris sworn, says: Has known
I/?wit Ellison 20 or 26 year?; he, ls a
weak-minded tuan, and easily Imposed
on. ! .
James W. Poole sworn, says: Knowe
Lewis Ellison and regards dim asa weak
minded man, and ?ilnrs ho would be
oasUy imposed on.
Groonloe Ellison sworn, says: Xs a
l-.otkor o? Lewis Ellison ; oopsfdors Wm
a weak-minded man: is easily itnposod
ou; hos beeil UVltig to hlmeiilf about25
years ; Ht) w'as Iii tho war. and votes; he
novar had a gllardlnrt ; wIttiess hover bad
to take caro of bim.
Augustus W. Pooro sworn nays : I was
at home tho night of burning ; returned
hoiii; uftor 8 o'clock ; went to bed and
remained there; got up next morning
between 4 and ? o clock ; hiv wlft> ?.?3
family and negro boy ali slept in tho
same room, tho negro sleeping on a pullet
near tho flro ; I got op earlier than usual
Shat morning; I was ct my brother-in
law'.s lato in tho evening bolero tbs uro
about 150 yards from my houso. I know
nothing about who burnt Maj. Ander
son's store: X have a Song I sometimes
sing, "I wish I had died during tho war ;"
I uaed this expression when I was arres
ted; I did not say anything about con
science; I used tho expression in alight
way : was under arrest: I don't know
that I used it soriously ; I didn't say, "I
wouldn't caro if it was not for my colt
Bcionco," in tbs prcsonco of Acker and
Binden.
, Augustus Richardson (colored) sworn,
says : Was hired by Mr. Pooro hist year ;
was there when Mai. Anderson's store
was burnt; .?nw Mr. Pooro or. homo that
night; saw him all night: was in tho
ho UM! whoro ho'was all night: I don't
know oxactly what timo ho wont to bod :
ho carno in about B o'clock, and Btayea
up about an hour; X slopt on floor beside
beaursou ; X am very cosily waked, and
got up next morning botweon 8 and 4
o'clock got up earlier than usual that
morning to haul aomo corn ; I uni
Gumbrell wont togothor after wagon ;
when I got up Mr. Pooro was In ned ;
ho could not bavo golton out with
out mo knowing lt.
J. M. Gumbrell sworn, says: I was at
homo on night when Maj. Anderson's
storo was burnt, and do nut know, any
thing about it; my children were sick
that night, and my sister and brother-in
law woro at my house; wo woro up and
down all night ; I saw the flro that night
when my sister coiled mo to got up and
Rot aomo water ; X Bald tho ure looked
ko lt was at Willlainston ; I thou went
to bed ; I have an impediment in my
speech ; Mr. Bladon asked mo if I saw
tho Oro, and I told bim I did ; I told him
next morning ; I went over to Sam
Moore's house nnd thoro heard of the
fire; X told bim tho first I hoard of it was
over at Moore's ; I don't remember any
conversation with Acker and Bladon
about tho burning; I did not tell him
1 did not caro a damn about it : Pooro
said, "Ob 1 Miss Susie, gal, X wish I had
dlod in tho war ;" bo said it in tho way of
a song ; he nover said bo would not caro
if lt was not for his conscionco ; I nevor
told Mr. Dindon that I wished I bad not
Kono into lt with these boys ; I nover told
Maj. Anderson that tho money would
not do him any good,
-Kinard sworn. Bay: I iivuin three
miles of Wllllamston, and was at Wm.
Bogfidalcs on night of burning; wont
thoro on Tuesday about 12 o'clock ; we
stayod up till about 11} o'clock ; both tho
Ragsdoles wero at home that night;
young Rossdale ;e tired about flltcen
minutes before wo did ; ho slept up stairs
and I slopt down stairs in tho some room
with W. M. Ragsdalo; X did not aleen
any unfll 1 o'clock, ana from that on hod
cat napp ; Mr. Ragsdalo or son did not
leave there that night; we ail got up
next morning at 4 o'clock ; I called them
up ; they all got up pretty much at tue
same time ; another young Ragsdalo was
at homo too.
Newton Ragsdalo sworn, says: I ro*
member tho night of tho flro; stayed all
night at my father's; Frank stayod at
homo all night.
Mrs. A. E. Ragsdalo sworn, says : Am
tho mother of J. Francis Ragsdalo ; was
at home the night of the tiro ; "J. F. Rags
dalo was ct homo that night, and went to
bed about 114 o'clock ; ho slept up stairs,
and got up noxt morning at 4 o'clock ;
did not leave tho bouso through tho lowor
part that night.
H. H. Hancock sworn, says: Was at
homo, tho night Maj. Anderson's storo
was burnt; no ona was there bur my
wife ; I went to a corn-shucking tho night
beforo ; do not know anything about tho
burning ; Bladon came to my houso to
arrest me about 0 o'clock, and on tho wey
to Willlainston treated mo badly; took
mo out of the road into the woods, tied
mo, said he had proof that I helpod to
do the burning, and tried to compel me
tc confess to it ; he said that it would bo
hotter for mo io como out and tell who
thoy all were.
J. Frank Ragsdalo, sworn, says : Was at
home.tho night Maj. Anderson's store was
barned; didn't hear. J. Gambrcllsay that
he was sorry that he had gone Into tills
thing; asked Maj. Anderson to hove the
levy removed, and if he didn't I'd have it
done. >
J. W. Wilson, sworn, says: Lives In
Pickcns ; knows Elation's general character
-not good ; wouldn't believe bira on oath ;
ho owes hie money ; X don't Uko him ; he
is dis?pate J.
W. A. Fulgor, sworn, says : Lives at Eos
ley : knows Bladon: he ia a dissipated man ;
can't say he ls devoid of principio; he bas
been in some difficulties ; never heard any
thing of him being untruthful ; I would
bcliovo liim oh his oath.
J. R. Wilson, (recalled) : Knows Bhutan's
?;?nnral diameter ; it ia bad ;. would not be
love him on his oath ^ I bose my opinion
un w?i?t n i??jOi?tjr ?i iua pwuic ui Wii
lianist?n say about bim ; I never heard his
truthfulness questioned ; only beard him
spoken of as a dissipated man ; I would net
bcliovo any drunken rowdy on oath.
-Bridges, sworn, say? : I have known
Bladon about 7 years ; his general charac
ter is bad from what I have heard; could
not, from these circumstances, believe him
nn emily, ti ni ms 'Corroborated: character of
Pooro ?nd Gambrcll good ; knows R. V.
Acker, and his character is as good as any
mon's.
W. A. Shockley, Sworn, says: Knows
Bladon's general character, and it is bad ;
could not believe bim on oa'h ; hr* ia a. ?Us
Blpated man ; I never heard bia character
for truth impeached ; form my opinion from
his general dissipation. ' >
W. C. Stone, sworn, says: Knows Bla
don's general character; His bad; could
not believe him on oath; general character
of Pooro and Gumbrell good ; am a broth
er-in-law of Pooro; nover heard any man
speak of bis character for truthfulness ; ha
ls a dissipated roan.
A. J. Stringer, sworn, ?aya : Knows gene
ral character of Gumbrell and Poors ; it la
good.
W. M. Cooley, sworn, says: Lewis Elli
son was in my employment; I found him
pretty keen ; capable of contracting.
M. B. Green, sworn, says; Knows gene
ral report of character of John A, Bladon ;
it is bad; wouldn't believe him on oath;
never beard his character for truth impeach
ed ; he is a dissipated man.
\ A. J. Bradley, aworn, ?aya : ^General char,
rtctcr of Bladon bad ; could not bellevo bini
on oath ; never heard bia character .bi
truth impeached ; he is a dissipated man.
Poa STATS IR RJEFXY.
R. L. Owensby, sworn, says : Lives al
1 Easby, Bickens Co. ; waa bound ovor hen
: to testify for Refendant ; was about to iel
mo go home; was then bound over foi
State ; knew Bladoa for, two years at Eas
> ley ; bia general character was that he wat
' diKvipatcdhi I would believe him on oath,
i W. II. Green, sworn, says : Lives at Eos
ley ; knows Bladon : knew htm at Eaalex
? for a fow months ; his character, sa far as 1
? knowns good ; would believe him on oath
i M.' XL Green, (recalled for defence.)
I Knows Poore, tho prisoner ; have beard bin
i frequently nae the expression, "I Wish j
. had died m tho war."
t R. V. Acker, (recalled,) says : Was aloin.
At thetv??rt? ?fe?eoii J -tum uo f io?tmc?or
beard QI any thread i i* e?/e? *oV sacra to
me to bo frightened . H9 V*tf* ?bout. 100
yorde from bia houeo when bo Wdti band- j
cutta! i tofor? V* got to XtagsdaloV; #Ul-,
boo did Inakc confessions in the fcprin*
from' np words wet? ?trggeatcd to bim; be !
jwiiCMteef UAiii 'mfnseaf ? wa* present at the J
preliminary expiration J was on tho way
io WimohiatviJ wifb Foo/* itfHi qarobrell : ,
wo wcro gol?g on talking i I was in front of 1
Gumbrell; wbon wo t'roes?f thc branch
Poora said he ''wished lid bad died; lo the f
nar;" Gambrcll said "Ira did not carer'1
Poore sold he "wouldn't, but for my con?
science ;" ho said ho withed be hod died in
thc war in a serious usAitnor ; Ellson sign*
cd tho < testimony beforo E-kiuIrc Pinson;
Alloy took tho handcufls. off for him to sign
it; I have known Bladoh live ol' ?Ix /ears ;
know bis general character! except bring
dlssipatsd,'ho has a uood character.
J. J. Oe.oloy, (recalled,) says : I wai along
When Ellison was arrested t no violence,
dona him; I did not think he waa fright-,
cued; handcuffs Wore put on him about
200 or ' 760 yards froid bb bouse ; knows
J, A. Bladon-rbaVe for 0 of ? years' bis
Bneral character is good; T would belfpv*
m on his oath. ?'?"..'
'. "Willie Anderson; (recalled.) says: Elli
son wss treated very kindle, no violto^o
lined j ho was handcuffed about 60 yarns
(might have been moro) from tho house ; I
wiwin the T. J. Court timing ibo examina
tion ; saw Ellson sign' thc paper j Mr. Ford \
said to Ellison, Do yo? know what you are
eaylttg? Ellison Weht on to give his evi
dence; knotts Dlsdon'-haVe f?r four years;
lila general character good} would believe
him on oath.
E. J. Pinson, (recalled,) Bay?: Ellison
signed the testimony, I think bo Wes
sworn; I heard him say be went nut
t h rough the woods by th'*, graveyard h?me.
D. M. Cooley, (recalled,) says : Known
Dlado.i for fl or 0. fears l good character ;
would believe him on oath,
> .H. I. Epting, sworn, says: 1 acktrd Elli
son which way he went homo from tito Uro;
ho said through tho woods by the grave
yard! from the cut it was bis nearest way
home.' ? ' .
|; A. II. Ford. (rVH&Hetl,) says Wo* ?lerk.
I ot tbs trial ; Ellison signed ft i tny recollec
tion is that tho attorney asked EillsOfl, Did
you not tell M?j. Anderson in the spring
yard thal you titopped in the cut, and'thc
others went on to tho store? Ho said the
I did. No violence or throats used ; they
were free.
Dr. Wilson, (recalled,) says z Waa called
to Ellison's on Monday evening.to toe a,
sick child; on Monday before fire; did not
return on Tuesday ; beard of no one being
..sick but tito child ; I heard'nothing bf Mfa.
Ellison's sickness ; I undevstood that Elli
son and his wife had been to Willlamston
that day.
Mat. Anderson, (recalled,) Kays: I did
not offer to ball Ellison fur bim to confeso;
I got information from him that ho knew
tuore than he had told mo ; I nisdo him no
Inducement to confess in tho spring yard;
I was sent for to soo him morning after fire;
I did not send for him.
The examination of witnesses ?rsa con?
eluded at about ll o'clock a. m. Friday, end
tho argument bofore the jury war. opened
at onco by Jumes L. Orr, Esq., on tho part
of tho State, who was followed by Misais.
; Allen, Murray and Brcareilfl In thoaftor
\ noon and by Mr. Moore on Saturday morn
ing for tho prisoners, who-were in tn rn
followed by thc Solicitor, who closed tho
argument for the State. The various points
of tho caso were thoroughly vci) ti lated by |
the learned counsel on both side?, who oc
cupied the Court from ll o'clock m. on
Friday until about 1 p. m. on duturday.
Tho arguments of the counsel were listened
to attentively and patiently by tho jury,
who seemed at Its conclusion to breathe a
sigh of relief.
Tho Judge then dcllvcrc* an able and
impartial charge* to the jury, of which tho
following ia a synopsis :
Tho Judge's Charge.
Tho jury were instructed that they were
to find a verdict in tho case without refer
ence to tho oplnjon of a single individual in
the largo assemblage around them, or to the
feelings of tho parties or tho earnest con
clusions of tho Counsel who have argued
tho case; the rulo was that stated by the
Solicitor, "a verdict according to the evi
dence in . tho case." That inasmuch as it
was stated on tho part of thc State no con
viction of tho Ragsdalcs (father and pen)
and of Hancock was asked, their cases
should bo dismissed from the consideration
of tho jury.
Thc Court then called .tho attention of
tho jur-r to the cases of Gambreil und Poors,
and old that in the consideration of their
cases tho alleged confe-sion . of Ellison
against himself, Gumbrell, Poore and others
must bo wh?lly oxcluded : that as a confes
sion or evidence it could affect Ellison
alone; that it. was not m ad o under thc
sanction of an oath, and aa to Gambrcll
and Poora contd nc! bo corroborated ; that
the testimony of an accomplice who waa a
witness might and should be strengthened
by other proof, but a confession criminat
ing others could not bo corroborated os there
was no testimony to support; -hat the jury
were, therefore, to consider ' the esses of
Gambrcll and l'ooro as if th*?-, wore not In
cluded in the samo indictment against Elli
son, and were indicted alono.
Separating th tut the casca of Gambrcll and
Poora from that of Ellison, the Court sub
mitted abrief itatcmont of tbs expressions
of Gambrcll uttered by bim before mid ofter
the fire, reminding the jury, however, that
all that was cold by Gumbrell Was before
them for consideration ; that these expres
sions or declarations wcro alleged by the
State to prove tho commission of, or a par
ticipation Sn, tho offence of arson, as charged
In the indictment. Tho declarations hutdiv
by Pooro being of a like character with those
made by Gumbrell, were also submitted to
?j.- t...-. c.. ????i- Thc Court instruct'
ted tho jury that when declarations were
used as evidence of a prisoner's guilt, it was i
Incumbent on tho Stale to show the admis-.
?Ions were mudo with reference .to tho of-,
fonce charged in tho indictment,, or some,
matter relating to it; thatir thc declarations
were dubious in meaning, the accused Was
not so much under obligation to explain,
as the State waa bound to show tho applica
bility or the expression to aha . offisncs
charged: that if the State had satisfied tits
jury that the declarations of Gumbrell and
Peere refcrrsd tc tito offence. charged, and
also satisfied them of tho commission of tho
crime, tho verdict should be guilty, but if
? glvingto tho declarations reasonable ?ree
and efficacy the question of guilt wasdembt
rul, or not proved, tho voMict should benot
I guilty. Tho Court Instructed tho jury that
j Gambrcll and Poora having proved good
character wera entitled to tho ben eilt of
such proof: that in all coses, and especially
I in doubtful cases, good' character should
Tho Court said that thc case of Ellison
Bested upon hts alleged confession of the
offence ; not a confession in general ??rms,
but ono containing particulars; th&l a con
fession of guilt rests upon a-condition- of
fucts to bo determined by thc Court before
lt can be admitted os testimony. It must
appear to bo fairly obtained-voluntary
With no inducement arisinc either from
promise of benefit or. fear or punishment.
The touimony when proiiosed appeared to
tho Court competent, and waa admitted,
I and the jory wera inrtructcd that a confes
sion, fairly obtained.and without Induce
monto, aa ilaltil. v?i atrnn? nv(ddnAA-Anj|
j absolutely sufficient to warrant a convic
tion; that the wholo confession should be
taken together when tho statement of a
prisoner ls given in evidence, Sud the force
and efficacy thereof left to the Jury: but,
as In other cases, where one port of the tes
arter tho statement cr the prisoner V given
In evidence, then such statement and the
whole or the other eviderr?o T??5t bs "Sit to
tho jury as in eny other case whore thc evi
dence ls contrfdlctory.
The Court stated to tho Jury that the in
dictment charged the offence against all thc
. persons accused as principals ; that a prin
cipal'is one who commits sn offence him
; self-or, in tho second degree, one who h
. present aiding and abetting in the commis
sion ; yet, that a party engaged in the samt
. design with the party who commits tho of
i fence, although not actually present, m&j
. ba u principal. If he be at 'roch conven'eoi
di.,'.unco os to bo able to come lo the ?mme
diste assistance of his associates if required,
ho ls i principal. Still, If s man bc at suet
t a distance from the place where tho offene*
i Is committed that ho could not assist In It i
t required, he cannot be deemed a principal
. That such proof as there is hi this ?as<
. shows that Ellison was ut I .tut (our bun
? drcd yards from tho store house when' 1
was bumed: and it was left to tbs jury l<
- determino lr be was near enough to aid hi;
t nssoctato or associates in tho burning if. bb
[ sid was required, ir the jury wcraHatisfiw
, of the Arson, and by sn sssoclate. nf Ellison
: and he near enough to tdd, they were lnutruc
i tod to find him guilty. . If ho was not pr -a
[ t nt, or near enough to aid, though ha mSgh
bo guilty as an aooes-ory before tho fact. h<
i could notboconvidu? under the iudictmcnt
ha r??t dthr^?i*&c&& ta a nrin-'
The Court so!? Hit! atf t?>?pr??oi*rs !ra4 '
pleaded tliii <iefU.ce umaMy xnr/Wn ?? ari
jdibl, cot? Iba* ??alibi, though occaskwrsjjy'
attt?nptod lo fcc wrongfully i> .1, ii
proved, * pond defence ; that the defourv
W't?- ons of fac?, and (ho character- of tho
partie? and their witnesses were known- to
thu Jury; thnt the defeuca had 'o bo made
put by tho party wle?d?ug ic, tho burden of
broof hoing on .him ; that if Uto def
were proved to tho satisfaction of thu
for any one of the prisorjru ho ctn
acquitted.
! Tho Court thori instructed tho jury (rr tito
hoae of Ellison, wyip- jf they btdigved bb
confession witta etna; '?itiroony proved bia
guilt. tl?t he WAS Bu'lcientlv hear when
tiro burning waa done to old bia awoclate*
if aid were ncede<?, and thc defence of nu
alibi not sustained by proof, they should .
find him guilty, but f kat If thoy believed
his guilt not ?ttisfactoHly pro veri, or that
be wai not near enough to aid hid M.??OC?
atea, or if his defence of an abbi whs sus
tained by proof, thoy should find him not
kullty-any one of tba altern?t! VA?, if dscb
dal in his favor; bf lng euflident for sctiult
: Tho Jcdges charge waa listened to wlth
profound attention by thc jury and tho
large-add d?epiydnUsrcBted andiene? which
crowded the Court room during its delive
ry, and ht its conc?m-i?n tho bill of in
dictment was delivered to tho'foreman of
jthe Jury, who, with his associ?tes, retired
VJ tho jury room ot .lt o'clock p. in., ?nd
there deliberated upon tho case until .about
:0 o'clock, whorl, thoy returned with a ver
dict of hot guilty for ell tho accused.
Thus ended ono-of tho tuest interesting
las well r.a inij jrtant canes eve tried before
the Andersoh'Court,
I ??voaiUway. .
ItoV. ti. M. Ayer preached un able andr';
logical ??ortiiri?i'X.-^fc ?abbaUi at.Neai's Creek
Church to u largo Stir! attentive congrega
tion...... Thin township lim five schools
three white and two colored. Thc avemgo
attendance is very gotkl.Thc small grain
crops in this section arc looking much bet
tor since tho 8rtoW..'..,.The Good Templars'
h?vo organized at Broadaway Academy.
Tho Neal's Creek Division, Sons <ATemper
once, is in r. flourishing condition with
Captain John Marlin aa Worthy 'Patriarch..
....Tho whiskey traille ; hr carried on toc:t
alarming ester! In thia community, and fr
injuring the morals of both old and young.
I If the taw? of our corrntry will permit such
I a t>ase traffic, I hope thut thc Hons of Tem
perance and Good Templars united will
como to tho rescue, and do something tb
stay this, thc greatest of .curses!
' . ' ^ 'j,' ' : .??TiZr:?.
Stockholder^ Meeting. '
A meeting of tho Stockboldera of tho
Anderson Parin eh/ and Mechanics' A?&o
elution wilVba held in tho Court 'House ut
ll o'clock a. m. on 'Saturday, the Otb of
Mandi? 1830, foi the purpose of clcciiiig
oiSccrs for tho ensuing year, and for tho
; transaction of such business aa mey come
jj before tho meeting. A. full attendance is
l.dcsired.
i\~j??: B. Pi Cn\rtow. Pres.
. Andarnos Market Reportn.
. Tho pHu? current foi tho following arti
clea lu this market are:
' Cotton-Middling, 12?c.
Corn-00. ' .'
Peas-75c to 00c
Flour-^7.60to$8.50.
Meat-C. R. old? 7i t?8; l>: C. sides 7? ;
Shoulder? 0.
Lard-10 to 121c.
,3?olas?es-N. 0.40o to 05c
Cuba Molasses-33Jc to 40c.
Meal-05 to ?100.
8u?ar-75c to Ile
Coueo-14c to 20c.
Bogging-ll to lil.
Ties-^t.CO to f.2.50.
A FAMILY OP MURDBBERS.--Tho
couviutUn of drove Kennedy for toan-'
slauter nod a verdict of twenty-oue Toora
iii ?..0 penitentiary, announced from
Kock Castle, Ky., mark the end of one
of Kentucky's celebrated criminal coses.
?in February, 1877, Kennedy became In
volved 3? a lawsuit with his uncle, E. D.
Kenaeoy, which' engendered bitter foel
ing. After the adjournment of thoCourt
at Lancaster one day, he took his station;
in the vest?bulo, tsa as the oldman came
out leveled his plwEol and ('hot him
through tho bead. On'his way'.o'ill ho
escaped fly ra the guard, his wiro swiding j
betwe/m-uim and their guns,'and calling
on tho officers to shoot ber. but not her
husband. He waa! .finally recaptured
and triad In December, 1877^but thors
was no verdict. : ..Thc next June lie was
tried figain, convicted, and: sentenced to
imprisonment for lifo. This' peutehce
was reversed by tho Court of Appeals.'1
The ease was thon, changed to Bock
Castle Circuit, where a conclusivo has
just been reached. The Kennedy fam- i
iiy is well connected and famous for its'
fighting qu?iiti??. S. D. Konn?Vy, mur
dered py Grove, killed two men; Qrovo
killed two; another brother killed oho:
bis ? brother-in-law tilled a : negro, and.
was pardoned by Governor Blackburn,
another brothcr-in-hvnr : attacked Bam
Conu, aiid in tho fight bom ware killed;
Audy' Kennedy, and a baii-broihor,
Henry Yeaky, were both .killed hi: per
sonal encounters ; an illegitimate ?on'bf
E. IX Kennedy? r.ho killed his man.
Convictions followed several ;of these
murders, bat pardons by the. Governor,
were secured in nearly all cascsJ Et >is
not ' thought that Grove Kennedy will
serv?outbid term;
- Tho State Treasury of Testis na? a.
oaih balance of ^50^000. .
- One hundred 'thousand sheep are
toked in Coleman county, ,
1 ? :-.
THC^8A.?fDS TJcs/.r, Wkr HISITA?B.-Ii is
adapted especially to thosocas i where ino
. womb la disordered, and will cure any b>
icgularlfy of ?ii) "monsca." Dr. J. Brad
field's Fcmulo Regulator arts litto a" charm
Sn .'wblteo," or a suddsn check of tho
[ monthly courses," from: cold^ troublo^of.
i mind, oriike cansss- by 'ra?o??it^ ?hs
I charge in every instance. Bo also in chron
lo casct- Its action is prorapt Mid doc?Rie,
abd saves tho constitution irora co??tiess
evils and premature decay. - Aa?. your dnig
gist for a circular.
SPECIAL NOTICES.
MI1F.E? sud H?ItSES.-i-Mcssra.
J. C. Hamlin and J. A. Emerson have g?oe
to Tennessee for a; drove cf ^ne Horsea a
Muies, which will r/rive by Salcday
Msirch. Thoy will also visit ESton, a?;A
those wishing to purchase cither MtW?OT?;
Horses Wuld do well to differ ivurohnsing
until their drove arrives.. 82-2*
MARBLE YABP,
ALL persons wonting T?MBSTONBS;
will do well to call on rae, sa I har?
on hand all grades of Marble, sud no?k
the new dcahms. I warrant my woik to
give saUsfacucn. Prlcis to suit theiWHS*.;
I am prepared to toko care of tho Gi -my
travel and regular boarding at reasonable
rates at tho Benson Hoosc Meals 25 cont?.
Lodging 25 cents. ^ WIJ?TJE.
Feb ?6,19RO . 33
f?An>Zl to tn* tovoM '
!XST The nndenigr,
Estate of John Kogc
gives notiM that ha wi
of Probate.at Anders?
day of March. 1880,
ment cf Mid Batate,'?